Q&A with Brooklyn Decker!

by Teen Vogue

Brooklyn Decker's name is synonymous with bikinis. And why not? After all, she's been featured on the covers of Sports Illustrated and Glamour in her itsy-bitsy swimwear. I got a chance to sit down with the real-life goddess, who recently paired up with Venus Razors. Read on to learn how she stays beach-ready and what keeps her going.

How did you get involved with Venus?

This is part of their kick off to summer! We're promoting their Venus Bikini Kit. [Me partnering with Venus] was a marriage of both worlds and felt natural, since it's all about empowering women, feeling confident, and having smooth silky legs.

What's your favorite thing about Venus razors?

It's formulated for a women's body. It has five blades which has been proven to be a better shave and works with a women's curves when she's shaving, like on knees and ankles.

What's your beauty routine?

When I'm not working, it's minimal. When you're healthy and active, it shows on the outside. You're all glowy. My favorite product is mascara. I use Covergirl Lash Blast in waterproof, so I can wear it during the day to the beach or to the gym and it stays on.

What is your exercise routine?

I'm really active and I'm open to all workouts. I'm a big runner and I even do weights. But you don't have to go to the gym to be active, you can just take a walk too.

What are your secrets for staying in such great shape?

Changing up my workouts and mixing it up. When you trick your body, you end up in the best shape. Plus, doing different workouts keeps it exciting.

In Glamour you said that you have an athletic body, what's your favorite sports workout?

Track work outs, like I used to do in high school. Hurdles, timed sprints, line drills--They're really great for flexibility, toning, and cardio.

How do you prepare yourself (mentally and physically) for photo shoots?

All girls have hang ups [about their body]! During shoots, I just have fun. My dad taught me that you should always be the best version of you that you can be.

What are your must haves for summer?

A good bathing suit and my new iPad to listen to music, read books, play Scrabble and watch TV shows on. And I love these Tory Burch wedges I just wore on a shoot. They're great because they're good with shorts and a tank or a dress. It's all about easy, breezy clothing for the summer.

How do you protect your skin from the sun?

Sunscreen. I wear a minimum of SPF 50. I even wear SPF 70! Growing up I never wore sunscreen because I thought I wouldn't be tan if I used it. Now I know it's so important to wear it everyday, even if it's not sunny.

What is your advice for girls who may not be feeling so confident this beach season?

When I first started modeling, I would find the beauty in the other girls. Once you find beauty in other women, you start to see the beauty in yourself. Women are a team and we should support each other. When you're at the beach remember that there's a million girls feeling the same way, everyone's in the same boat.

What are your guilty pleasures?

Sweets, candy, sour candy! I love Sour Patch Kids, Sour Watermelons, and Swedish Fish. I know every Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift song by heart. I love country music and the Twilight books. Everyone was so surprised that I read all four books in two weeks!

Team Edward or Team Jacob?

Edward and Bella are meant to be, but I'm Team Bella because I root for her.

How did it feel to be on the cover of Sports Illustrated and Glamour?

Scary and exciting. For Glamour, I was happy that they were showing that different shapes and sizes are gorgeous. Sports Illustrated is iconic. I've been with them for five years. Being on the cover was humbling, crazy, and exciting. I loved it! I found out the day before it came out and I cried. I was so happy. As a model, it's like winning the Super Bowl.

How did you get into modeling?

I was scouted and, actually, Teen Vogue was one of my very first clients. I was about 17 and I would fly up to New York during high school to work with Teen Vogue.

You just finished filming the movie, Just Go with It. How was the acting experience for you (vs. modeling)?

Loved it. It was a new challenge. It helped me to foster new confidence. It was intimidating at first, but that's what made it so great. I'd definitely like to study acting.

What is the best part of your job?

Travel. Before modeling, the biggest city I ever went to was Atlanta. I never had a passport. I never thought I'd see Europe.

What goes through your mind when you're doing bikini shoots?

If you're not feeling confident, it shows up on camera. I try to feel as glowy as I can, by being healthy, having good nutrition, and using Venus to be silky.

Who is your favorite swimwear designer?

Vitamin A, Melissa Odabash, Missioni. I like fun colors. You can get away with bold patterns on a bikini because it's so little fabric. Like my tie-dye one. I wear more funky prints.

You've done every kind of shoot from high fashion to lingerie and, of course, bathing suits. What's your favorite shoot to work on?

Fashion. I'm an athletic girl with boobs, but I love the high fashion shoots. Stylists and photographers have no restrictions. They can be bold and creative and edgy. Fashion allows them to do that. Each shoot is different. But the trips for swimsuit modeling are hard to beat.